4 vs 5 working day week

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Reducing the number of working days from 5 to 4 can have various impacts on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.

• Increased happiness: A study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine found that shorter workweeks (up to 30 hours per week) were associated with increased happiness and better mental health. This effect was observed even after adjusting for factors such as income and education level.

• Improved employee retention: According to a report by the Society for Human Resource Management, companies that offer flexible work arrangements (including a 4-day workweek) have higher rates of employee retention. This can help businesses save on recruitment and training costs.

• Reduced absenteeism: A study by the Workforce Institute at Kronos found that employees who work 4 days a week are less likely to take unscheduled absences compared to those who work 5 days a week. This can result in improved productivity and reduced costs for employers.

• Positive impact on the environment: A report by the New Economics Foundation found that a 4-day workweek could help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality by reducing commute times. The report estimated that a shift to a 4-day workweek could reduce carbon emissions in the UK by 127 million tonnes by 2025.

The productivity issues with a four-day versus five-day workweek will depend on the specific needs and goals of an organization, as well as the preferences of individual employees. Of course, implementing a 4-day workweek requires careful consideration and planning to ensure that it is feasible and effective for each individual company.